The title holders ran out comfortable winners over the Blanquillos at the Santiago Bernabeu thanks to goals from Gonzalo Higuain, Angel di Maria, Michael Essien and Luka Modric which pushed them up to third in the table but still eight points behind leaders Barcelona.

However, speaking after the match, the Portuguese conceded that his side must improve in their forthcoming fixtures, having risked squandering a positive result in his eyes, but nevertheless noted the most important thing was the three points.

"It was not our best game today. We can and we must play better." the 49-year-old said.

"But the important thing for us is to win and to also win calmly. But we have to play better than we did today if we are going to get results."

Mourinho also praised Modric for his adaptation in the Spanish capital since his summer move from north London.

He added: "I really like Luka Modric since he joined. He works well, and he has adapted very well.

"Playing in the Premier League, and playing in the Spanish league are very different, and playing for Tottenham is as well very different than playing for Real Madrid. But he is a great player, and he is adapting very well."

Real Madrid continue their Champions League campaign later this week against Borussia Dortmund.